Gifts for Marathon Runners

Gift Guide 2023 | Fleet Feet

By The Fleet Feet Editors Updated on

So you have a runner in your life who runs all the time and most likely already has a lot of gear? We have the gift guide to help you find the perfect gift that they’ll use every day as they put in hundreds of miles before they get to the start line of the race.

Alongside the best long-distance running shoes and the best running clothes, runners chasing 26.2 (or more) have a lot of options to help the miles fly by.

For over 45 years we have been helping people choose gifts for the runners in their lives across our 250 locations in running communities throughout the country.

To surprise and delight the long-distance runner in your life, our Fleet Feet editors chose the top 10 best gifts for marathon runners:

[This article is part of our 2023 Gift Guide for Runners. See all the best gifts for runners by price, category and more. Can’t make up your mind? No worries. Check out our gift cards for a gift that keeps on giving.]

Cut outs of the items on the list of gifts marathoners with the words "gifts for marathoners"
Give the Gift of Warm Feet
Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks Thumbnail

Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks

$20

Unlike when you were a child, runners absolutely love getting new, high-quality running socks as a present. The Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks are some of the perfect socks for long-distance runners to wear, especially throughout winter training.

Most marathon runners will train in the snow and cold to get ready for their spring races—these socks combine mohair wool and Balega’s signature Drynamix® to keep their feet dry, warm and cushioned as they put in the miles.

Shop Balega Socks
Give the Gift of Energy
Maurten Gel 100 Caf 100 Thumbnail

Maurten Gel 100

$4.50
Distance runners need additional fuel for their long runs, and finding Maurten Gel 100, one of the best energy gels, in their gift would make any runner happy. Fuel like the pros, this gel is easy on your runner’s stomach and doesn’t have a sugary aftertaste, which our testers loved in our Maurten Gel review.
Maurten Gel 100 Caf 100 Maurten Gel 100 - Single
Give the Gift of Light
Nathan Neutron Fire RX Thumbnail

Nathan Neutron Fire RX

$55

At some point in their training, marathon runners will probably be out before the sun rises or after it goes down. Give them one of the best running headlamps to light their way with the Nathan Neutron Fire RX.

This running-specific headlamp gives out 200 lumens of light and the head strap is made of reflective materials, so they can see where they are going and others can see them as well. Plus, it is lightweight, doesn’t bounce and has a rechargeable battery.

Nathan Neutron Fire RX
Give the Gift of Data
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Garmin Forerunner 255

$350
Give them a gift that helps them train smarter and harder with the Garmin Forerunner 255. It is hard to know how to improve unless they have something to keep track of their runs. The Garmin Forerunner 255 gives them the pace, distance, route and more for every run (along with 30 other activities). Plus, it also helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle by tracking steps, sleep, stress and more. Help them to reach their next finish line faster with the Garmin Forerunner 255.
Garmin Forerunner 255 Garmin Forerunner 255S
Give the Gift of Visibility
Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Rechargeable Vest Thumbnail

Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Rechargeable Vest

$60

Runners need to make sure that they are seen by drivers and other people when they're running around the neighborhood in the early mornings or evenings. Give the gift of visibility with one of the best reflective vests for running, the Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Vest.

It gives 360-degree LED illumination and is USB-rechargeable, letting them shine bright all run long. Plus, it is lightweight and adjustable so they can throw it on over any clothing and forget that it is even there.

Xinglet Optic Beam Vest
Give the Gift of Smooth Skin
Body Glide - 1.5 oz Thumbnail

Body Glide

$11
When someone runs a lot it can cause uncomfortable rubbing and chafing in areas like the inner thigh or heel. Your runner will thank you for the gift of body glide, which is a sweat and water-resistant balm that prevents chafing and keeps them running strong.
Body Glide -1.5oz Body Glide for Her - 1.5oz
Give the Gift of Warmth
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove Thumbnail

Craft Hybrid Weather Glove

$40
Give your runner the gift of warmth with the Craft Hybrid Weather Gloves. These are 2-in-1 gloves with a wind and waterproof cover that transforms them into mittens. Plus, they are also touch-screen compatible, so they can answer that text or call from you without taking them off.
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove
Give the Gift of Compression
Women's CEP The Run Compression Tall Cut Sock 4.0 Thumbnail

CEP The Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0

$60
CEP The Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0 gives the gift of compression that can help them to run longer and recover quicker. These socks have accurate, graduated compression that helps improve blood flow and remove lactic acid. They are great to wear while running or for recovery afterward, since they are breathable, moisture-wicking, temperature regulating and treated with silver to reduce odor.
Men's CEP Compression Sock Women's CEP Compression Sock
Give the Gift of Recovery
Normatec Go Thumbnail

Normatec Go

$399
You can’t give your runner a professional massage after every run, but you can give Normatec Go. These are specifically designed for the calves and use dynamic air compression to increase circulation, improve mobility, revive muscles and reduce swelling in the legs. Plus, use them anywhere—gym, couch, hotel, office and more.
Normatec Go
Give the Gift of Comfort
OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex Thumbnail

OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex Sandals

$60 - $80
Give the gift of comfort to your favorite runner with the OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex Sandals. There is nothing better to put on after pounding the pavement than these comfortable sandals. OOahh Sport Flex Sandals absorb 37% more impact than standard cushioning and have a unique footbed that cradles the arches and takes stress off of the joints to give the most comfort. Plus, the velcro straps let them dial in the perfect fit.
OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex
Give the Gift of Massage
Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 Thumbnail

Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2

$129

Marathon runners are always sore from training. This small and compact percussion massager is the perfect gift for any runner on the go. It’s easy to travel with and comes with two different massage attachments to help relieve muscle soreness and stiffness, improve range of motion, promote circulation, and accelerate warmup and recovery. Your runner will be thanking you again and again for gifting them the Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2.

Watch: Hyperice Hypervolt Massage Tricks with Karissa Schweizer

Shop Hypervolt GO 2
Give the Gift of Choice
Digital Gift Card Thumbnail

Fleet Feet Gift Card

Any runner can always use a gift card to Fleet Feet. These can be used both online or at any of the approximately 250 Fleet Feet retail locations, where they can experience our Fit Process that utilizes 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to find the perfect shoe for them.
Digital Gift Card

Why You Should Trust Us

At Fleet Feet one of our core values is that it is a privilege to serve. We take the thought of giving you advice and guiding you to pick out the perfect gift for the runner in your life very seriously and are honored that you chose to read this. Fleet Feet is the No. 1 run specialty store in the country. We serve more than 3 million customers across 250+ locations annually and have completed more than 5 million 3D foot scans (and counting) of different runners and walkers’ feet. Our goal is to help every customer find the correct shoes, apparel and gear for their goals.

We don’t just sell shoes and gear, we run, walk and hike with you in those shoes. We have had hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers participate in our training programs, community runs and events every year. We have locations all over the country running in the snow, desert and everything in between.

We take our sales data and talk with the different shoe companies, designers and our network of runners, walkers and hikers to cultivate this list of the best gifts for marathon runners. We also review shoes and gear ourselves to provide you with the best information possible when making these guides. We update this guide regularly to make sure you have the latest information possible to make the best decision for you when it comes to giving your loved one a gift.

How We Picked the Best Gifts

With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running (and gifting). What makes the perfect gift for a runner comes down to the personal experience, goals, preferences and style of that runner. We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and our own top-seller lists to pick out the best gifts. With all that in mind, we picked gear that lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations. Plus, as people who live and breathe running, we know what we would like to unwrap ourselves.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best gifts based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations. If you buy a gift from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.